Meghan Markle Finally Sets the Record Straight on What to Call Her — and It's Not Duchess
Meghan’s choice to ditch her titles showed how she and Harry are embracing a simpler, more personal way of connecting with people.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Australian visit began on April 14, and they have visited several spots around the country so far. However, Markle’s title has been a matter of debate as people have been wondering how to address her. But she set the record straight by asking her well-wishers to keep the address quite simple, which is definitely a stark contrast to many previous occasions.
During the royal couple’s visit to the Australian National Veterans’ Art Museum, Steve Cotterill, the inaugural Australian poet laureate of the event, asked them, “How would you like me to address you?” Harry simply said that people could address him however they liked. Meanwhile, Markle suggested, “Call me Meg?” There were similar concerns among the staff when they visited the children’s hospital. A source said, “Harry and Meghan is fine. They’re pretty relaxed.”
Harry and Markle started the tour by visiting the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. A video was making rounds on the internet where someone addressed the former Suits actress as “Your Highness.” Although they have stepped away from the role of senior working royals back in 2020, people still tend to address them with their attached titles. But with Markle speaking out about what she would like to be called, the confusion has mostly been cleared.
The visit carried a bit of emotional weight for Harry, as the hospital has long-standing ties to his family. It was first opened by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, back in 1963, and she returned in 2011 when it relocated. In 1985, his parents, King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales, had also visited. During this trip, the couple was welcomed by a large crowd of patients and their families. They spent their time chatting with children, taking photos, and also taking a visit Kelpie Garden. The area is part of the hospital’s program for adolescents with complex conditions, where nature-based activities are built into treatment.
Markle took a solo visit to a women’s refuge centre called McAuley Community Services for Women, following the hospital visit. The facility supports women and children dealing with homelessness and domestic violence. She helped out by serving food to the residents and excitedly asking, “Is anyone else hungry?” Later, she sat down with them for a meal together and explained, “We landed here this morning, so my jet lag hasn’t quite hit yet.” The couple kept things lowkey, travelling on a commercial flight instead of opting for private or royal-style arrangements.
After that, Harry and Markle wrapped up the day at the Australian National Veterans’ Art Museum (ANVAM). There, they spent time with veterans and their families, and they also joined in on a clay art session with kids. One girl made a request to the Duchess by asking her to make an ostrich, to which she replied, “An ostrich? That’s a tall order, but I’ll try.”
Day 2 was mostly Prince Harry flying solo. He started in Melbourne with a mental health event, chatting about fatherhood and wellbeing, before heading to Canberra for a visit to the Australian War Memorial. After a reception and ceremony, he returned to Melbourne to rejoin his wife.
